Phantom Lover, by Tigrina (supernatural poem, 1946)

[lb_lee]

My phantom lover comes to me from out the lonely night
My eyes trace, through their tears his misty shape within the gloom

Blurb: A poem about yearning for one's phantom lover, banished to another plane of existence.

Why is it worth your time?: It's a neat short little poem from eighty years ago, and it's free to read! What've you got to lose?

Plural Tags: abuse not mentioned, otherworld, romantic relationships, visions

Content Warnings: none

Access Notes: Originally (and only) printed in Mutant vol. 1 #1 in October 1946. Technically a very faded copy has been digitized thanks to FANAC, but some of the words are illegible. I've taken the liberty of reconstructing those words and posting the full poem in the comments.

Misc Notes: Tigrina, AKA Lisa Ben AKA Edythe Eyde, was a lesbian. She wrote this poem before coming out!

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Phantom Lover, by Tigrina

[lb_lee]

Phantom Lover
by Tigrina (1946)

My phantom lover comes to me from out the lonely night
My eyes trace, through their tears his misty shape within the gloom
And I feel his loving presence within my empty room.
I know that he is there, though out of sight.

In whispers I repeat to him our hearts' eternal vow,
The flickering phantom moonbeams are the lovelight in his eyes
From the open window it is not the breeze that sighs
And wafts sweet phantom kisses on my brow.

My true love is a prisoner upon another plane.
Some stranger has usurped his earthly body for his own
And does not know that I know, and knowing, crave to be [alone?]
To summon up my phantom love again.